New GoDaddy data reveals how Indian entrepreneurs learn, sell, and grow in a digital world.
According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, nearly half of small businesses in India now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today’s market.
The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses Running a business today in India means going beyond a physical store. While 36% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, 17% small businesses now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 21% operate mostly on social media. Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 37% sell in person, 19% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 29% sell directly through social media.
This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that Indian small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business’ ability to adapt to customers’ needs and preferences.
Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges Social media plays a major role in how small businesses in India operate and grow. Nearly 83% of entrepreneurs say it’s important to their sales strategy, and almost 47% say it’s very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 62% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (44%), and even artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (44%).
But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 30% say it’s hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 39% don’t have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult— 56% struggle with reaching the right audience and 46% say they have trouble converting followers into customers.
These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it’s not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth. The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support As Indian entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. 63% say they need better ways to reach the right audience, and nearly half (46%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions.
AI is starting to play a role, especially among proactive business owners. Those already using AI are more likely to want deeper insights into what’s working (38% vs. 28% of non-AI users) and more interested in tips and templates for writing captions and ads (37% vs. 29% of non-AI users). These preferences suggest that small businesses aren’t just experimenting with AI—they’re looking for smart, focused support that saves time and delivers results.
“Indian entrepreneurs are digital-first and increasingly tech-savvy. While they are already leveraging social media to connect with customers, the next leap in growth will come from adopting smart AI tools that simplify marketing and enhance reach,” said Apurva Palnitkar, Senior Director of Marketing, GoDaddy India.
“At GoDaddy, we’re focused on providing intuitive, AI-powered solutions like Show In Bio that empower small businesses to do more with less, saving time while driving meaningful results.”
The Opportunity Ahead As more small businesses in India move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show In Bio, GoDaddy Studio, and GoDaddy Airo all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results.
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